Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698938003523.pdf (United Kingdom)
Domestic violence and abuse Content Introduction What is domestic violence and abuse?
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme Identifying and safeguarding claimants Further support for victims of domestic violence and abuse Providing assistance to claimants Victim of domestic violence and abuse (surplus earnings) Switching-off (easement) - criteria for victims of domestic violence and abuse Switching-off (easement) - relevant evidence Duration of the switch-off (easement) period Domestic abuse and violence awareness video (8 min 44secs) Introduction Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence and abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.
Domestic violence and abuse are problems in our society with damaging and far- reaching impacts.

DWP has a range of measures designed to provide assistance and support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

An estimated 2 million adults aged 16 to 59 experience domestic abuse - which is approximately 6 in 100 adults.

Data also shows women are around twice as likely to have experienced domestic abuse as men.
Victims will have different experiences of domestic violence and abuse and their support needs may be different.

Safety is the immediate need of every individual or family experiencing domestic abuse.

Victims of domestic abuse often flee their homes with few or no possessions and with no access to their own economic resources, or a financial safety net.

Financial assistance through Universal Credit can be essential to provide for themselves - or themselves and their children.
What is domestic violence and abuse?

The government definition of domestic violence and abuse is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse’.
Both the person who is carrying out these behaviours and the person to whom the behaviours are being directed must be:  aged 16 or over (abusive behaviour directed at a person aged under 16 would be dealt with as child abuse rather than domestic abuse)  personally connected (for example, who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality) Domestic violence and abuse can encompass (but is not limited to) the following types of abuse:  physical - this can include shaking, smacking, punching, kicking, presence of finger or bite marks, bruising, starving, tying up, stabbing, suffocation, throwing things, using objects as weapons, genital mutilation or 'honour violence' (physical effects are often in areas of the body that are covered and hidden, for example breasts, legs and stomach)  sexual - this can include forced sex, forced prostitution, ignoring religious prohibitions about sex, refusal to practise safe sex, sexual insults, passing on sexually transmitted diseases or preventing breastfeeding  psychological - this can include intimidation, insulting behaviour, isolating the victim from friends and family, criticising, denying the abuse, treating the victim as an inferior, threatening to harm children or take them away or forced marriage  economic and financial - for example, having sole control of the family income, preventing a victim from claiming welfare benefits, interfering with a victim’s education, training or employment, refusing to give money, asking for an explanation of how every penny is spent, making the victim beg for money, to gamble or not paying bills, not allowing or controlling a victim’s access to a mobile phone, transport, utilities or food, damage to a victim’s property  emotional - this can include swearing, undermining confidence, making racist, sexist or other derogatory remarks, making the victim feel unattractive, calling the victim stupid or useless or eroding their independence  controlling behaviour - a range of acts designed to make a victim subordinate or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour  coercive behaviour - an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim This definition (which is not a legal definition) includes so called 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.
It is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Domestic Violence Disclosure SchemeAgents should be aware of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law).

For more information, see Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme factsheet.

Identifying and safeguarding claimants When communicating with a claimant, they may display signs, behaviours and language or talk about a life event suggesting they may have complex personal circumstances - for example, fleeing domestic abuse.
If it becomes apparent that a claimant has been or is a victim of domestic violence and abuse, and as soon as they feel able, a discussion about their circumstances must take place.

Talking about abuse can be difficult and emotional.

Wherever possible (as a safeguarding measure) a claimant may feel more comfortable talking confidentially in a private room without any third parties present and they must be given this option if appropriate.
If necessary, alert the appropriate authorities to safeguard the claimant or their children.

See Safeguarding vulnerable people [add link].


Consider the following:  the claimant may be fearful of being seen in the Jobcentre - either by their ex-partner or someone else who knows them  don’t be afraid to ask if they need support – if the claimant isn’t ready to disclose, they won’t reassure the claimant that their personal data is secure  If you need to seek help or support from colleagues, try not to leave the claimant alone as this can feel daunting if they are afraid or anxious.
Use the District Provision Tool and local Complex Needs Toolkit to signpost the claimant to specialist partner organisations who can provide further support.

Further support for victims of domestic violence and abuse If the claimant has access to the Internet, signpost them to the GOV.UK website.

The claimant can search the site for ‘domestic violence’ to find information which will enable them to get the expert help and advice they need from specialist support services.
Details can be printed from the site and issued to the claimant as appropriate.

Some claimants may have an appointee.

Alternatively, the claimant can be asked to give consent for a support worker to assist in maintaining and managing their Universal Credit account.

For information that can be provided to third parties, see Consent and disclosure.
The following is a list of organisations available that may be able to assist the claimant:     the National Domestic Violence Helpline – is run jointly with Women’s Aid and Refuge and is a 24 hour, free phone national service (claimants can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on: 0808 2000 247 or National Domestic Violence Helpline .
Staff can also use the helpline to obtain guidance from professionals for local area support services, search the Domestic Abuse Directory In Wales call the All-Wales 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 80 10 800 or visit the Welsh Women’s Aid website in Scotland call the Freephone 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 027 1234 or visit the Scottish Women’s Aid website  Karma Nirvana is the specialist helpline for forced marriage and honour based abuse.
It is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday 0800 599 247 or visit Karma Nirvana  Galop is the LGBT and anti-violence charity which runs the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 999  Victim Support on 0808 16 89 111open 24/7 or visit victimsupport.org.uk  Revenge Porn Helpline, open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday 0345 6000 459, or visit Revenge Porn Helpline  Broken Rainbow – provides information, advice and support to gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender populations who may be affected by domestic violence and abuse - claimants can contact Broken Rainbow on 0300 999 5428 or they can contact the National LGBT help line above the National Stalking Helpline – provides guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking - claimants can contact the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or email mailto:advice@stalkinghelpline.org   Male Advice (and Enquiry) Line – offers help to male victims of domestic violence and abuse and advice to perpetrators - claimants can contact the Men’s Advice and (Enquiry) Line on 0808 801 0327 or Men’s Advice Line  RESPECT – offers information and advice to people who are abusive towards their partners and want help to stop (claimants can contact respect on: 0808 8024040 or Respect  GOV.UK Report Domestic Abuse provides a list of organisations that victims can talk to and report domestic violence and abuse  Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app and website which provides support to anyone in an abusive relationship and information for those concerned that someone they know is experiencing domestic abuse.
DWP agents can find more content on Bright Sky This is not a complete list.

Providing assistance to claimants A range of measures can be put in place to support claimants wh o are victims of domestic abuse depending on their circumstances.

A claimant who has been financially abused may need support to manage their money.
The discussion must explain what assistance can be given, for example:  Split Payments may be appropriate to enable the claimant to have access to an independent income, though any risks must be taken into account to allow the Alternative Payment Arrangement to be delivered safely  help to cope with managing money on a monthly basis and paying bills on time via signposting to money guidance and debt advice where appropriate  Advances to provide immediate financial support for victims fleeing abuse, or help with buying essential household items or rent in advance - see Complex needs, Financial hardship section under 'Advances'  Assisted Digital Support or Help to Claim to make a claim for Universal Credit and to maintain their account by online self-service  paying rent for two homes if the claimant has fled their home through fear of violence but intends to return - see Paying for two homes  establishing if the claimant meets the criteria to have their work- related requirements switched-off  considering if alternative methods of payment available if the  claimant does not have access to a bank account identity verification if the claimant has fled abuse and is unable to provide documentation  where appropriate, signposting to GOV.UK Making a Child Maintenance arrangement for Child Maintenance Services including the waiving of the application fee and setting up a direct payment arrangement so that no contact is required with the paying parent (see also Child Maintenance guidance)  GOV.UK provides information on Help available from DWP for people who are victims of domestic violence and abuse  if the claimant is homeless, we must also consider a referral to the local authority under 'Duty to Refer - see Homelessness and at risk of homelessness and Spotlight on: homelessness 'Duty to Refer' to a local authority (England only) Claimants may change their mobile numbers frequently due to a fear of an ex-partner finding out where they are.
Advise the claimant that they can:  choose their preferred method of contact  keep their contact details up to date in their Universal Credit account The District Provision Tool and local Complex Needs Toolkit can also help to provide the appropriate support for claimants with other additional complex needs.

Staff may also find it challenging to respond to claimants who experience domestic abuse - for example, they may experience domestic abuse themselves.
For support, staff can talk to their line manager, a trusted colleague and the DWP Employee Assistance Programme as well as the organisations listed below.

Victim of domestic violence and abuse (surplus earnings) Surplus earnings must not be taken into account in respect of a claimant who has, or had at the time the old award terminated, recently been a victim of domestic violence.
Switching-off (easement) - criteria for victims of domestic violence and abuse A claimant's circumstances could mean work-related requirements need to be temporarily switched-off (easements).

There is a specific list of circumstances for when the switch-off (easements) can apply and this includes when a claimant is or has been a victim of domestic violence and abuse.
The switching-off of work-related requirements applies in relation to domestic violence and abuse (actual or the threat of) by the claimant's current or former partner(s), or by certain family members of the claimant, their partner or former partner.

Step relatives are also included as family members.

See Switching-off requirements (easements) for Labour Market regime interventions.
Any claimant (in any conditionality regime) who states that they have been a victim of domestic violence and abuse is eligible to have their work-related requirements switched-off as long as:      the incident or pattern of domestic violence and abuse has occurred within the previous six months the incident or pattern meets the definition of domestic violence and abuse they are not living at the same address as the abuser - see Domestic Emergency instructions they have not had a previous domestic violence and abuse switch-off within the last 12 months they provide written evidence within one month of notifying Universal Credit The switching-off requirements period starts on the date the claimant notifies Universal Credit.
A claimant may notify an incident of domestic violence and abuse within 6 months but may not be seen by an agent until after the time limit has expired.

In these circumstances, the switching-off requirements period will start from the date they first made contact.

If the claimant remains in the same household as the person who inflicted or threatened the domestic violence and abuse they are not eligible for the domestic violence and abuse switching-off requirements (easement).
In these circumstances, and if relevant evidence is provided, the Domestic emergency switching-off requirements (easements) can be used where it is appropriate to switch-off all requirements for a period of time.

If the claimant is in a refuge or other emergency accommodation, they may need time to sort out alternative accommodation.

If no relevant evidence is provided the Domestic Emergency switching off (Easement) is considered due to homelessness along with any other support being received.
See Homelessness and at risk of homelessness for further information.
Switching-off (easement) - relevant evidence Relevant evidence is written evidence from a person acting in an official capacity showing that:   the claimant’s circumstances are consistent with those of a person who has had domestic violence and abuse inflicted upon them (or has received threats of violence or abuse) during the 6 months prior to the claimant notifying Universal Credit the claimant has made contact with the person acting in an official capacity in relation to such an incident which occurred during that period A person acting in an official capacity means:  a healthcare professional  a police officer  a registered social worker (or Social Care Wales)   any public, voluntary or charitable body which has had direct contact with the claimant’s employer or a representative of their trade union the claimant in connection with domestic violence and abuse For the full 13-week domestic violence and abuse easement to apply, the claimant must provide evidence within 1 month of the date of the notification.
If evidence is not supplied within this time limit, the easement ends after 1 month from the date of the notification.
Duration of the switch-off (easement) period Switching-off requirements is vital to victims of domestic violence and abuse as they often face significant barriers to employment, for example:  economic abuse often means they are prevented from working and barred from access to education, training and employment over a long period of time  most survivors will have experienced severe trauma as a result of psychological, emotional and physical abuse both during the relationship and after it has ended and will want access to work when they are ready  a regular travel pattern to work for residents in a refuge would compromise the refuge’s secret location if they were followed There are some differences in the length of time any switching-off requirements will apply and which work-related requirements must be switched-off depending on the claimant.
For the domestic violence and abuse easement, these are as follows:  all claimants in any conditionality regime:  must not have work-related requirements imposed for up to 13 weeks  any requirements undertaken must be on a voluntary basis and no sanction will apply within this 26-week period if a claimant does not undertake any work-related requirement  a responsible carer of a child, in the Intensive Work Search regime:  must not have work search and availability requirements imposed for a further 13 weeks (bringing the total up to 26 weeks)  after the first 13 weeks, claimants must be offered voluntary review to see whether they want to take up the offer of work-related support on voluntary basis  a responsible carer of a child in any other conditionality regime:  must not have any work-related requirements imposed for 26 weeks Domestic abuse can have a significant effect on children which may be damaging and often long lasting.
The child’s health, development, ability to learn and their physical and mental well-being can be affected.

Domestic abuse is also the most common factor where children are at risk of serious harm.

The claimant’s ability to fulfil work-related requirements in these circumstances are likely to be severely impacted.
If the claimant is not eligible to have their work-related requirements switched-off because of domestic violence and abuse, a main carer may still be eligible to have work search and availability requirements switched-off if they are dealing with a child in considerable distress.
Domestic abuse and violence awareness video This domestic violence and abuse video contains sensitive subject matters which may affect some people, please ensure that you take time out after watching the video to reflect, discuss and debrief with your line manager, particularly if you are affected by its content.

Domestic abuse and violence (8min 44secs) Domestic abuse or violence awareness video transcript